St. Clare Sleep Disorders Center

04/09/2026

Exceptional recognition for outpatient surgical excellence! Two Virginia Mason Franciscan Health ambulatory surgical centers have been named to U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Ambulatory Surgical Centers list.

VMFH Medical Pavilion Bellevue and VMFH Medical Pavilion Lynnwood earned this prestigious distinction for their outstanding performance in Colonoscopy, Endoscopy, and Urology procedures.

This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the highest quality outpatient surgical care in state-of-the-art facilities close to home. Our ambulatory surgical centers combine clinical excellence, advanced technology, and patient-centered care to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Congratulations to our teams at both Medical Pavilions for this well-deserved national recognition!

View the full rankings: https://ow.ly/a8HM50YGKiS

04/08/2026

If it feels like allergy season is getting longer and more intense every year, you're not imagining it.

Dr. Rahool Davé, asthma, allergy, and immunology specialist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, recently spoke with KUOW about why allergy season in the Pacific Northwest keeps getting worse.

The Seattle-Tacoma area now has about 12 more days of allergy season compared to 1970, and the Northwest sees an average of 31 more "freeze-free days" each year thanks to climate change. That means more time for trees to release pollen.

Dr. Davé shares practical tips for managing allergies this season, from air filtration and wearing masks outdoors to when you should seek professional help.

Read the full article for expert advice on surviving another Pacific Northwest allergy season:
https://www.kuow.org/stories/why-allergy-season-2026-in-the-northwest-is-nothing-to-sneeze-at

04/07/2026

Honoring a daughter's legacy through acts of kindness. Rebecca Cameron, Lead Clinical Dietitian at St. Elizabeth Hospital, has served patients for 11 years. But in 2020, her life changed forever when her 10-year-old daughter Isla passed away from Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood.

In their grief, Rebecca and her family decided to honor Isla's joyful, kind spirit by creating the Shine for Isla Foundation, dedicated to spreading joy through small, random acts of kindness.

Rebecca brought this mission to St. Elizabeth Hospital by partnering with the Shared Governance team and Jenny Holbert, Manager of Clinical Services, to create the "Sunshine Cart." This brightly wrapped medical cart is stocked with comfort items for patients, from upgraded toiletries and cozy socks to lavender eye pillows, sound machines, puzzles, and coloring supplies.

"Isla loved making others happy," Rebecca shares. The Sunshine Cart ensures that her daughter's kindness continues touching lives every day at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

04/06/2026

April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. Knowing the warning signs could save your life.

Esophageal cancer often develops silently, but certain symptoms should never be ignored. Watch for difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent chest pain, worsening indigestion or heartburn, chronic coughing, and hoarseness.

While these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, it's important to discuss them with your doctor, especially if they persist or worsen over time. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/jFTL50YEJtW

04/05/2026

Happy Easter! A season of brighter days and new beginnings. May this time be filled with meaningful moments, shared traditions, and the connection that brings us closer.

04/04/2026

Frequent heartburn isn't something you have to live with. Our free acid reflux health questionnaire helps you understand your symptoms and risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

This quick, confidential assessment analyzes the frequency and severity of your symptoms, triggers, and overall impact on your quality of life. Based on your results, you'll receive personalized insights about whether your symptoms warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Relief is possible. Start by understanding your symptoms.

Take the questionnaire today: https://ow.ly/JUfR50YBlLp

04/03/2026

Meet Christopher Tapia, MD, a board-certified neurologist specializing in movement disorders. Dr. Tapia takes a collaborative approach to care, working with his patients to jointly determine the best course of action. While neurological disorders rarely offer swift solutions, he is committed to working diligently toward improving his patients’ lives. Dr. Tapia treats patients at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle.

04/01/2026

From a sudden cardiac arrest on the ice to getting back in the game. Watch Clayton Brennan's incredible survival story and the team of heroes who saved his life.

When 46-year-old Clayton collapsed during his adult hockey league game, three opponents with medical backgrounds immediately sprang into action. Among them was Scott Clemons, ARNP and medical director at Franciscan Medical Clinic. Their quick response with CPR and an AED kept Clayton alive until paramedics arrived.

At St. Joseph Medical Center, Clayton met Dr. Craig Hampton, a cardiac surgeon who also happens to be an avid hockey player. Together, they bonded over their shared love of the sport while Dr. Hampton worked to repair Clayton's faulty heart valve and get him back on the ice.

This is a story about teamwork, expert cardiac care, and the power of being prepared for an emergency. Watch the full video to see Clayton's remarkable journey from cardiac arrest to skating again with his Fire Ants team.

Stay heart healthy by visiting vmfh.org/heart.

04/01/2026

Many women do everything they’re “supposed” to do to strengthen their pelvic floor and still experience leaks during exercise. In episode 4 of the Pelvic Floor Power podcast, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health urologist Dr. Una Lee and pelvic health physical therapist Julie Wiebe explore why this happens and what actually helps. They discuss how the pelvic floor works during movement, why leaks can be a signal—not a failure—and how women can safely return to the activities they love with more confidence and control.

Listen to the podcast: https://nafc.org/pelvic-floor-podcast-series/

03/31/2026

Colore**al Cancer Awareness Month may be ending, but the need for vigilance continues year-round. Dr. Vlad Simianu, colore**al surgeon at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, addresses the alarming rise of colon cancer in younger adults and why early detection matters more than ever.

"In men under 50, colore**al cancer will soon be the most common cancer," Dr. Simianu shares. Don't dismiss symptoms like re**al bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss just because you're young.

Read Dr. Simianu's full insights on this critical trend. Early detection saves lives.

March is Colore**al Cancer Awareness Month.

03/31/2026

“I want you to know that I understand that cancer can be scary.” Doctors make the choice every day to listen, understand, and guide patients through each step with care that is personal and intentional. This Doctors’ Day, thank you to doctors for the care and trust they provide.

03/30/2026

“I want you to know that you're not alone.” Through every step, physicians and care teams show up to support, guide, and walk alongside those they serve. This Doctors’ Day, we recognize the presence and commitment behind every moment of care.